Rio Ferdinand congratulates Mourinho on Manchester United job

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Manchester United has hired Jose Mourinho as its new manager, according to a post on Rio Ferdinand’s Facebook account.

Though the club has not yet officially announced the hire, Sky Sports reports that Mourinho has signed his contract with United.

In his post, Ferdinand offered his congratulations to Mourinho, as well as some advice for the manager.

“Congratulations to Jose on being announced manager of the biggest club in the world!” Ferdinand wrote. “This is Jose Mourinho’s most exciting & most challenging job yet.

“The first thing he needs to do is install ‘winning mentality’ back into the club. Get this ingredient back into the players but also the people that work inside the club day to day. Give them back that belief so it is breathing throughout the club again, which is so important. But doing the above in the Manchester United way is equally as important.”

Mourinho, the former Chelsea boss, will replace Louis van Gaal at his new club’s helm. Van Gaal was sacked Monday by United with one year remaining on his contract, despite leading the club to a 2–1 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday to win the FA Cup.

“Mourinho’s huge personality is made for this great club,” Ferdinand added. “It’s what he has been waiting for. Wishing him all the best!”

Mourinho, 53, spent this European season out of coaching after being fired by Chelsea in December. He also drew interest from Paris Saint-Germain.

Manchester United struggled in European play this year and was eliminated in the group stage of the Champions League, while also losing to Liverpool in the Europa League.